![]() Ariane-62 [ESA] |
In 2014, ESA has selected a design for the next generation Ariane rocket, the Ariane-6, which will become operational in the early 2020s.
Ariane-6 will consist of two or four monolithic P120 solid rocket motors of 3.02 m diameter as strap-ons, which are developed to serve also as stage 1 of enhanced Vega rockets. The core of 5.4 m diameter consists of a cryogenic H140 stage with a Vulcain-2+ engine as stage 1 and a cryogenic stage 2 with a reignitable Vinci engine developped orginally for the Ariane-5ME rocket. The 5.4 m payload fairing is also derived from the Ariane-5 family.
Contrary to the earlier dual-launch Ariane-4 and Ariane-5 rockets, the new Ariane-62 is designed to orbit single payloads. It will be able to put 5000 kg into geostationary transfer orbit. The Ariane-64 will be able to launch dual payloads up to 10500 kg.
The rockets will be integrated horizontally and will be launched from the new Kourou launch pad ELA-4.
In August 2015, Airbus Safran Launchers was awarded a € 2.4 billion contract by European Space Agency covering the development of the Ariane-6 launcher in its two versions, Ariane-62 and Ariane-64.
→ complete Ariane-6 list
Version | Strap On | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ariane-62 | 2 × P120C | LLPM H140 / Vulcain-2.1 | ULPM H30 / Vinci | Astris / Berta |
Performance (kg) | LEO | LPEO | SSO | GTO | GEO | MolO | IP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ariane-62 Astris |
No. Type TypeNo Fai Serial Date LS Payload
none Planned: Launch sites: Ko = Centre Spatial Guyanais (CSG), Kourou, French Guiana![]()